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By-Election in Kaduna: Police and DSS Arrest Suspected Vote Buyer with ₦25.9m |
The Kaduna by-election has taken a dramatic turn after security operatives arrested a suspected vote buyer with a staggering ₦25,963,000 in cash. The arrest, carried out by the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), underscores the government’s resolve to clamp down on electoral malpractice in Nigeria.
This development comes as concerns about vote buying in Nigeria’s elections continue to dominate conversations on electoral transparency and democratic values.
Details of the Arrest
The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended at about 3:30 am on Saturday. Security operatives reportedly tracked him to a popular hotel along Turunku Road, Kaduna metropolis, just hours before the commencement of the bye-elections in parts of the state.
Key Highlights of the Arrest
- The suspect was found with ₦25,963,000 in cash.
- Preliminary investigations revealed the money was intended for inducing voters to compromise the electoral process.
- The suspect has confessed to the crime during interrogation and pleaded for leniency.
DSP Mansir Hassan, spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, confirmed the incident. He also quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, who warned that anyone caught attempting to sabotage the electoral process would face the full weight of the law.
Police Warning to Political Actors
The Kaduna State Police Command issued a strong warning to political actors and their supporters ahead of the polls. According to CP Rabiu Muhammad, the command has received credible intelligence that some politicians are planning to instigate unrest.
Security Measures in Place
To maintain peace and credibility of the election, security agencies have deployed personnel across:
- Polling units
- Collation centres
- Strategic flashpoints prone to violence
The police emphasized that vote buying, thuggery, violence, and intimidation will not be tolerated, and offenders—no matter how highly placed—will be arrested and prosecuted.
Implications for Nigeria’s Electoral Process
The arrest highlights the persistent challenge of vote buying in Nigerian elections, a practice that undermines democracy and voter confidence. By apprehending suspects like Patangi, security agencies send a strong message that electoral fraud will not be condoned.
For voters, this also serves as reassurance that they can come out to cast their ballots without fear of intimidation.
If you are interested in learning more about election security in Nigeria and how technology is shaping democratic processes, check out this detailed guide on how technology improves election integrity in Nigeria.
For related updates on civic and political matters, you can also read other insightful posts on Androidpols.com.ng, including breaking news and in-depth analyses of Nigeria’s political landscape.
The arrest of a suspected vote buyer with nearly ₦26 million in Kaduna highlights the continued threat of electoral malpractice in Nigeria. However, it also demonstrates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS to safeguarding the integrity of elections.
As the by-election unfolds, citizens are urged to remain peaceful, resist inducement, and exercise their democratic rights freely.
